Skew Incidence Plane-Wave Scattering From 2-D Dielectric Periodic Structures: Analysis by the Mortar-Element Method

A full-wave simulator of 2-D dielectric periodic structures under skew plane wave incidence is presented in this paper. A differential formulation is used and the boundary value problem is solved by means of a multi-domain spectral method. Suitable mappings allow the efficient analysis of dielectric elements with rounded corner cross sections. A comparison with the results obtained by the method of moments and with a commercial simulator is presented for an array of dielectric rods and for a surface-relief diffraction grating

Fetiform teratoma in an Italian-Fresian calf: case report and literature review.

Introduction. Fetiform teratoma is a rare form of teratoma in animals and people that resembles a malformed fetus. This paper describes the first case of highly differentiated extragonadal fetiform teratoma with cranial connection in an Italian-Friesian calf. Case presentation. A 35-day-old male Italian-Friesian calf weighing 55 kg was referred because of a mass localized in the fronto-nasal region. The mass contained two lateral structures of similar size and conformation that were recognized as underdeveloped hind limbs, while at its center there was a small tail. The mass was surgically excised and sent to the pathologist for examination. Gross examination identified two femur-like rudimentary limbs and a sketch of bone located in between, morphologically referable to a rudimentary coxae-like bo ne. Some mucinous cysts, a virtual body cavity showing adipose and muscular tissues, some cartilaginous nuclei and a coelomatic body cavity were also noted. Histological examination showed differentiation into skin with dermal appendages, hair, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, lymphoid tissue, neurovascular bundles, and a rudimentary tail. No neural tissue including spinal cord, brain matter, or gonadal differentiation was seen. On the basis of these findings, the mass was diagnosed as a highly differentiated extragonadal fetiform teratoma. Conclusion. Fetiform teratoma should be included among differential diagnoses in cases of neonatal malformation in bovine. Analyzing the available literature, the Friesian genetic strain seem to be predisposed to fetal malformation, but a systematic reporting of cases is needed, in order to investigate further the epidemiological, etiological, pathophysiological and therapeutic aspect of this kind of congenital disease

CMHC Adherence to National Mental Health Plan Standards in Italy: A Survey 30 Years After National Reform Law

none6OBJECTIVE: The PROG-CSM (Progetto Centri di Salute Mentale) survey was conducted in all Italian community mental health centers (CMHCs) with the aim of evaluating the extent to which these services adhered to the standards defined by the Italian National Mental Health Plan 1998-2000. METHODS: The policy recommendations of the Italian National Mental Health Plan were translated by a multidisciplinary group of experts into key indicators, including continuity of care, coordination with other community-based services, accessibility, implementation of specific programs, and provision of care. RESULTS: There was high adherence to the standards of the National Mental Health Plan in continuity of care and coordination with other services, but there were lower levels of accessibility and implementation of specific projects. CONCLUSIONS: CMHCs were sufficiently developed throughout Italy, and continuity of care and service coordination levels were satisfactory; however, adherence to the standards was unrelated to the duration of activity of the CMHCs.noneMunizza C.; Gonella R.; Pinciaroli L.; Rucci P.; Picci RL.; Tibaldi G.Munizza C.; Gonella R.; Pinciaroli L.; Rucci P.; Picci RL.; Tibaldi G

Evaluation of an integrated system for classification, assessment and comparison of services for long-term care in Europe: the eDESDE-LTC study

The harmonization of European health systems brings with it a need for tools to allow the standardized collection of information about medical care. A common coding system and standards for the description of services are needed to allow local data to be incorporated into evidence-informed policy, and to permit equity and mobility to be assessed. The aim of this project has been to design such a classification and a related tool for the coding of services for Long Term Care (DESDE-LTC), based on the European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS). Methods. The development of DESDE-LTC followed an iterative process using nominal groups in 6 European countries. 54 researchers and stakeholders in health and social services contributed to this process. In order to classify services, we use the minimal organization unit or "Basic Stable Input of Care" (BSIC), coded by its principal function or "Main Type of Care" (MTC). The evaluation of the tool included an analysis of feasibility, consistency, ontology, inter-rater reliability, Boolean Factor Analysis, and a preliminary impact analysis (screening, scoping and appraisal). Results: DESDE-LTC includes an alpha-numerical coding system, a glossary and an assessment instrument for mapping and counting LTC. It shows high feasibility, consistency, inter-rater reliability and face, content and construct validity. DESDE-LTC is ontologically consistent. It is regarded by experts as useful and relevant for evidence-informed decision making. Conclusion: DESDE-LTC contributes to establishing a common terminology, taxonomy and coding of LTC services in a European context, and a standard procedure for data collection and international comparison

Test-Driven Design of an Active Dual-Polarized Log-Periodic Antenna for the Square Kilometre Array

An active dual-polarized Log-Periodic antenna has been designed to meet the requirements of the low-frequency (50 - 350 MHz) radio telescope of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The integration of antenna and low noise amplifier has been conceived in order to achieve a high degree of testability. This aspect has been found to be crucial to obtain a smooth frequency response compatible with the SKA science cases. The design has also been driven by other factors such as the large-volume production (more than 130 000 antennas will be built) and the environmental conditions of the harsh Australian desert. A specific verification approach based on both wideband radiometric spectral and spatial measurements in relevant laboratory and in-situ conditions has been developed. Electromagnetic analyses and experimental results exhibit a very good agreement. In December 2019, this antenna was part of the reference solution for the System Critical Design Review of the SKA

Targeted activation of the SHP-1/PP2A signaling axis elicits apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Lyn, a member of the Src family of kinases, is a key factor in the dys-regulation of survival and apoptotic pathways of malignant B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. One of the effects of Lyn's action is spatial and functional segregation of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 into two pools, one beneath the plasma membrane in an active state promoting pro-survival signals, the other in the cytosol in an inhibited conformation and unable to counter the elevated level of cytosolic tyrosine phosphorylation. We herein show that SHP-1 activity can be elicited directly by nintedanib, an agent also known as a triple angiokinase inhibitor, circumventing the phospho-S591-dependent inhibition of the phosphatase, leading to the dephosphorylation of pro-apoptotic players such as procaspase-8 and serine/threonine phosphatase 2A, eventually triggering apoptosis. Furthermore, the activation of PP2A by using MP07-66, a novel FTY720 analog, stimulated SHP-1 activity via dephosphorylation of phospho-S591, which unveiled the existence of a positive feedback signaling loop involving the two phosphatases. In addition to providing further insights into the molecular basis of this disease, our findings indicate that the PP2A/SHP-1 axis may emerge as an attractive, novel target for the development of alternative strategies in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Test-Driven Design of an Active Dual-Polarized Log-Periodic Antenna for the Square Kilometre Array

An active dual-polarized Log-Periodic antenna has been designed to meet the requirements of the low-frequency (50-350 MHz) radio telescope of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The integration of antenna and low noise amplifier has been conceived in order to achieve a high degree of testability. This aspect has been found to be crucial to obtain a smooth frequency response compatible with the SKA science cases. The design has also been driven by other factors such as the large-volume production (more than 130 000 antennas will be built) and the environmental conditions of the harsh Australian desert. A specific verification approach based on both wideband radiometric spectral and spatial measurements in relevant laboratory and in-situ conditions has been developed. Electromagnetic analyses and experimental results exhibit a very good agreement. In December 2019, this antenna was part of the reference solution for the System Critical Design Review of the SKA

Activity of the EGFR-HER2 dual inhibitor afatinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients with acquired resistance to reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of afatinib in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib or gefitinib. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC treated with afatinib after failure of chemotherapy and EGFR TKIs. Results: A total of 96 individuals were included in the study. According to EGFR status, most patients (n = 63; 65.6%) harbored a deletion in exon 19, and de novo T790M mutation was detected in 2 cases (T790M and exon 19). Twenty-four (25%) patients underwent repeated biopsy immediately before starting afatinib and secondary T790M was detected in 8 (33%) samples. Among the 86 patients evaluable for efficacy, response rate was 11.6%, with a median progression free-survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 3.9 and 7.3 months, respectively. No significant difference in PFS and OS was observed according to type of last therapy received before afatinib, type of EGFR mutation or adherence to Jackman criteria, and patients benefiting from afatinib therapy had longer PFS and OS (P < .001). Outcome results for repeated biopsy patients were similar to the whole population, with no evidence of response in T790M-positive patients. All patients were evaluable for toxicity, and 81% experienced an AE of any grade, with grade 3 to 4 AEs, mainly diarrhea and skin toxicity, occurring in 19 (20%) patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that afatinib has only modest efficacy in a real life population of EGFR mutant NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib or gefitinib